Reining Horse
A Look At the Class and What You Need to Compete
Competing on a well-trained reining horse can be a lot of fun for the exhibitor. Reining classes tend to draw crowds at horse show, especially when the exhibitors are allowed creativity during the freestyle classes.
The American Quarter Horse Association has a total of 11 approved reining patterns for a judge to choose from. Any of these patterns will be selected and each exhibitor will have to work this pattern for the class.
Reining is a technical class requiring strength, balance, and timing for both horse and rider. Below we break down the class to give you a better understanding of what to expect when you show up at the in-gate. We all discuss the basic juding criteria and a few helpful hints to get you started.
Class Breakdown
As we stated above, there are 11 different pattern approved by the AQHA from which the judges at AQHA approved shows may choose from. Each exhibitor in the class will perform their patterns individually. A reining horse is judged once it steps into the ring.According to the AQHA rulebook, any deviation from the posted pattern is considered a loss of control of your horse. A reining horse must be willing to complete the pattern following the guidence of the rider.
The judges will also give more credit to exhibitors completing the pattern in a smooth, quick, and accurate manner. On your reining horse you will likely be expected to complete some combination of running, rollbacks, sliding stops, circles at varying lope speeds, lead changes, and spinning.
Each pattern offered by the AQHA varies, but the core maneuvers are found in each of the patterns. At many open shows, they tend to refer to a specific pattern approved by the AQHA to compete at. If you are showing with another association, you may want to check that associations rulebook before signing up for your first reining class.
Please
sign up for your FREE copy of "All-Arounder
Magazine". It's packed full of helpful horse
show news, information, tips and horse keeping advice. Our magazine
contains information exclusive to readers only! Sign up NOW and you'll
also receive a FREE
printable Horse Show Checklist!
Judging Criteria
As stated above, reining patterns require horses to complete them in a smooth and efficient manner. We also mentioned that deviation from the pattern or overall performance can cost a horse and rider points. Below we will be discussing a few faults and credits you should be aware of.When scoring a reining horse and rider performance, you base off a zero to infinity scale. A score of 70 is considered an average performance.
A rider and reining horse may be disqualified from the use of prohibited equipment, the use of two hands when not using appropriate junior horse equipment, inability to complete pattern as posted, working at manuevers not included in the pattern posted, and equipment failure.
Major faults in a reining class include touching or holding the saddle, kicking, rearing, or striking. Other less severe faults include breaking gaits, walking before loping off, incorrect leads, stumbling, or not backing a stright line.
For complete information on what judges count as faults during a reining pattern, make sure you check with your show associtaion.
Class Tips
- When spinning it may help to count to three and say whoa to prevent yourself from overspinning or under spinning
- Practice pattern maneuvers individually, not the entire pattern to prevent anticipation from your horse
- While riding a pattern make sure you are always planning ahead in where you want to direct your horse to go
